NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI Australia: National recognition for three experienced officers

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Three outstanding South Australia Police (SAPOL) officers have been acknowledged with Australian Police Medals (APM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday honours.

    Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott, Superintendent Craig Wall, and Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Hughes are recognised for their dedication to policing and a collective 109 years of service.

    The APM recognises meritorious contributions to an Australian police service and is presented by the Governor-General.

    Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens APM LEM congratulated the three APM recipients on receiving this significant honour.

    “These officers exemplify the values of South Australia Police and represent the commitment and professionalism in their work towards ensuring the safety and security of our community,” he said.

    “Ian, Craig and Rebecca have each given decades of selfless service.

    “Receiving this medal will go down as one of the highlights of their career.”

    Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott

    Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott joined SAPOL in 1987, and after serving on patrol and in the Operational Response Group, in 1994 he was promoted to Senior Constable in the Special Tasks and Rescue (STAR) Division, working as a firearms specialist in a Response Unit.

    In 2000, Assistant Commissioner Parrott was promoted to Sergeant and two years later to Senior Sergeant, representing SAPOL in counter-terrorism training and development, enhancing national and local responses.

    In 2005, he was appointed an Inspector, initially as Officer in Charge of Combined Operations within STAR Group and later within Human Resources Service.

    In 2008, Assistant Commissioner Parrott’s leadership of frontline country policing began when he was promoted to Officer in Charge of Riverland Local Service Area (LSA), and then Murray Mallee LSA’s Superintendent. In these postings he was Forward Commander at a major domestic violence murder and siege resulting in the arrest and imprisonment of a significant violent offender; achieved excellent reductions in crime; and led his people in providing exemplary service to their communities.

    He returned to Human Resources (HR) and then led metropolitan and peri-urban operations in South Coast LSA while also being integral to SAPOL’s White Ribbon Accreditation. While working in the Communications Group, he led the successful implementation of new computer systems, structures, and dispatch protocols in support of the District Policing Model.

    In 2019, he was promoted to Assistant Commissioner, State Operations Service where he has driven road safety policing, regional policing, and First Nations policy and practice (including Closing the Gap initiatives) with extraordinary commitment.

    Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott

    Superintendent Craig Wall

    Superintendent Craig Wall joined SAPOL in 1986, graduating to patrol duties then transferring to the Operations Response Group.

    In 1994, he was promoted to Senior Constable in the Special Tasks and Rescue (STAR) Division, working in a Response Unit engaged in tactical policing and rescue duties. This included the May 1994 Nuriootpa siege in which he displayed professionalism and courage under fire from a suspect.

    While at STAR he was promoted to Sergeant and to Senior Sergeant, qualified as a Police Diver, and was a tactical policing first responder at numerous high-risk tasks involving considerable danger.

    In April 2008, Superintendent Wall was appointed an Inspector in the Protective Security Service. Returning to STAR in 2010 as Operations Inspector, he became Police Tactical Group Capability Advisor for the ANZCTC, responsible for facilitating national police tactical training courses including special weapons, explosives and tactical command.

    Superintendent Wall also managed frontline patrols in the Transit Services Branch and Public Transport Safety Branch. Between 2015 and 2020 Superintendent Wall led country and metropolitan frontline services as Officer in Charge of the Hills Fleurieu LSA), Eastern Adelaide LSA and later Eastern District.

    Since 2020 he has been Officer in Charge of STAR, where he implements a clear vision for continued development and implementation of specialist policing response capability across South Australia. His confidence, clarity and judgement inspire trust in his team. Superintendent Wall holds prominent positions on national committees, councils and working groups and has contributed significantly to national practices that are interoperable and consistent.

    Superintendent Craig Wall

    Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Hughes

    Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Hughes joined SAPOL in 1993 and was initially posted to the Elizabeth Police Station.

    In 2003, she was promoted to Senior Constable and commenced in the Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB). During this time, she also worked on the Focus 21 initiative that set the strategic direction for SAPOL at the time.

    As a CIB member and later a designated Detective, she continued a career balanced between criminal investigation and strategic contribution, serving on Project Compass and the Organisational Reform Unit, and coordinating an extensive program focused on enhancing customer service at the frontline.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Hughes was promoted whilst in the Special Crimes Investigation Branch, and again when managing the Australian National Child Offender Register (ANCOR) Unit. At ANCOR, she has provided highly valued insight into legislative and policy matters at both state and national level, extending beyond her immediate responsibilities to drive the future of child protection. Her strategic acumen and meticulous preparation of processes and strategies have been integral to a suite of legislative and operational enhancements. These have included harmonisation of state, territory and Commonwealth child sex offender registration schemes, which has improved the tracking and management of offenders and led to more effective prevention strategies.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Hughes has also significantly enhanced information sharing between jurisdictions and to ensure children at risk receive timely and appropriate protection. The measures led by Detective Senior Sergeant Hughes have collectively contributed to a safer environment for children by improving the efficiency of the child protection system and reflect Australia’s commitment to upholding the rights and safety of children as expressed in the National Framework for Protecting Australia’s Children 2021-2031.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Hughes

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Accident: Road closures Whitford-Maraetai Road

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police have closed a section of Whitford-Maraetai Road near Waikopua Road due to a serious crash in the area around 6.45am.

    No alternate route is available and traffic is being turned around.

    Police are investigating a collision between a truck and car on Whitford-Maraetai Road.

    The driver of the car was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

    The Serious Crash Unit has been advised and is conducting a scene examination.

    Police enquiries are ongoing, and anyone with information that can assist with our enquiries is asked to update us online now or call 105.

    Please use the reference number P062809245

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Velázquez, Waters, Warren, Markey, and Whitehouse Unveil Bill to Support Small Business Compliance with Corporate Transparency Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nydia M Velázquez (D-NY)

    WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, introduced new bicameral legislation to help small businesses comply with beneficial ownership reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and push back against the Trump administration’s efforts to weaken the law. She was joined in the House by Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee. Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Ed Markey (D-MA), Ranking Members of the Senate Banking and Small Business Committees; and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
     
    The FinCEN–SBA Coordination on Beneficial Ownership Registration Act would require the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to coordinate directly on outreach and education to help small business owners understand and meet their reporting obligations under the CTA.
     
    “The Corporate Transparency Act is still the law, and the Trump administration is wrong to stop enforcing it,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “Turning a blind eye to anonymous shell companies leaves us vulnerable to fraud, corruption, and abuse. These shell companies don’t just enable white-collar crime—they hurt honest small businesses by rigging the system and exploiting programs meant for real entrepreneurs. This bill is about holding bad actors accountable while making sure small business owners have the information and support they need to follow the law.”
     
    “The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a strongly bipartisan law designed to bust the U.S. registered anonymous shell companies that are abused by fentanyl dealers, Iranian terrorists, financial scammers and more to launder and hide their illicit finances. By ignoring this intent and gutting the law, President Trump and Secretary Bessent are gifting these bad actors a free pass to continue exploiting the system, while leaving consumers, investors, and small businesses who play by the rules in harm’s way,” said Congresswoman Waters.
     
    “Anonymous shell companies hurt honest small businesses and open the door to fraud and abuse. The Trump Administration should be working with small businesses, not refusing to enforce the Corporate Transparency Act,” said Senator Warren. “Small businesses deserve a system that works for them — not for scammers and cheats – and that’s why our bill would require the Administration to work with them as part of implementing the law.”
     
    “The Trump Administration is allowing bad actors to get away with illicit activities and financial crimes, and we must make sure they do not get away with disregarding the law,” said Ranking Member Markey. “I am grateful for Ranking Member Velazquez’s partnership in introducing the Corporate Transparency Act to crack down on bad actors while giving small businesses the tools to succeed.”
     
    Originally passed with bipartisan support, the CTA was designed to crack down on shell companies used to facilitate money laundering, tax evasion, terrorism financing, and other illicit activities. But earlier this year, the Trump administration suspended enforcement for U.S. companies and proposed changes to dramatically narrow the law’s scope.
     
    The reporting requirements are minimal for the vast majority of small businesses, 82 percent of which are non-employer firms with only one beneficial owner. FinCEN has previously projected the average cost to file would be about $85, roughly equal to what many states charge to register a business. However, outreach during the initial rollout was limited, and confusion about the law remains persistent.
     
    Velázquez’s legislation would help spread awareness and increase compliance with CTA among small businesses by:
     

    1. Requiring FinCEN and the SBA to sign a formal agreement within 90 days to coordinate outreach;
    2. Distributing guidance in English, Spanish, and other commonly spoken languages;
    3. Using SBA field offices and partners to host webinars and town halls;
    4. Developing strategies to protect small businesses from scams and fraud;
    5. Submitting monthly updates to Congress on outreach and compliance.

     
    For a full copy of the bill, click here.
     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Northern Territory Police Force – King’s Birthday Honours 2025

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Congratulations to former member Commander Daniel Bacon who has been named today as a recipient of the Australian Police Medal (APM) as part of the 2025 King’s Birthday Australian Honours List.

    Commander Bacon’s distinguished 38-year career with Northern Territory Police Force spans frontline service across Alice Springs, Tennant Creek, Kulgera, Timber Creek, Katherine and Darwin. Since joining as a cadet in 1987 and graduating as a constable, he has progressed through a wide variety of operational roles, culminating in his promotion to commander in 2015.

    Commander Bacon officially retired from the NT Police Force in April 2025 and throughout his tenure, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, particularly whilst overseeing the Greater Darwin Command.

    Known for his compassionate leadership style, Commander Bacon was a steadfast advocate for officer welfare, fostering open communication and supporting career development.

    Commander Bacon’s service record includes a significant United Nations deployment to East Timor in 2001 and leadership in managing major emergencies and critical incidents. He also spearheaded Strike Force Lyra, targeting high-risk domestic and family violence.

    This honour is a testament to Commander Bacon’s career in policing and recognises his unwavering dedication to the safety and wellbeing of the Northern Territory community.

    Acting Commissioner of Police, Matthew Hollamby APM said, “We are fortunate enough to have had Mr Bacon as part of the NT Police for such an expansive time.

    “He was a respected colleague by the entire agency and is a deserving member of such a prestigious award.

    “I wish to personally thank Danny for his service, and his family for their support across a successful career.”

    *MEDIA NOTE: Mr Bacon is currently unavailable for any media interviews as he is travelling.*

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Can Israel still claim self-defence to justify its Gaza war? Here’s what the law says

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law, Australian National University

    On October 7 2023, more than 1,000 Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and went on a killing spree, murdering 1,200 men, women and children and abducting another 250 people to take back to Gaza. It was the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.

    That day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the country, “Israel is at war”. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) immediately began a military campaign to secure the release of the hostages and defeat Hamas. Since that day, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children.

    Israel has maintained its response is justified under international law, as every nation has “an inherent right to defend itself”, as Netanyahu stated in early 2024.

    This is based on the right to self-defence in international law, which is outlined in Article 51 of the 1945 United Nations Charter as follows:

    Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations[…]

    At the start of the war, many nations agreed Israel had a right to defend itself, but how it did so mattered. This would ensure its actions were consistent with international humanitarian law.

    However, 20 months after the October 7 attacks, fundamental legal issues have arisen around whether this self-defence justification still holds.

    Can Israel exercise self-defence ad infinitum? Or is it now waging a war of aggression against Palestine?

    Self-defence in the law

    Self-defence has a long history in international law.

    The modern principles of self-defence were outlined in diplomatic exchanges over an 1837 incident involving an American ship, The Caroline, after it was destroyed by British forces in Canada. Both sides agreed that an exercise of self-defence would have required the British to demonstrate their conduct was not “unreasonable or excessive”.

    The concept of self-defence was also extensively relied on by the Allies in the second world war in response to German and Japanese aggression.

    Self-defence was originally framed in the law as a right to respond to a state-based attack. However, this scope has broadened in recent decades to encompass attacks from non-state actors, such as al-Qaeda following the September 11 2001 terror attacks.

    Israel is a legitimate, recognised state in the global community and a member of the United Nations. Its right to self-defence will always remain intact when it faces attacks from its neighbours or non-state actors, such as Hamas, Hezbollah or the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

    However, the right of self-defence is not unlimited. It is constrained by the principles of necessity and proportionality.

    The necessity test was met in the current war due to the extreme violence of the Hamas attack on October 7 and the taking of hostages. These were actions that could not be ignored and demanded a response, due to the threat Israel continued to face.

    The proportionality test was also met, initially. Israel’s military operation after the attack was strategic in nature, focused on the return of the hostages and the destruction of Hamas to eliminate the immediate threat the group posed.

    The legal question now is whether Israel is still legitimately exercising self-defence in response to the October 7 attacks.

    This is a live issue, especially given comments by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on May 30 that Hamas would be “annihilated” unless a proposed ceasefire deal was accepted.

    These comments and Israel’s ongoing conduct throughout the war raise the question of whether proportionality is still being met.

    A test of proportionality

    The importance of proportionality in self-defence has been endorsed in recent years by the International Court of Justice.

    Under international law, proportionality remains relevant throughout a conflict, not just in the initial response to an attack.

    While the law allows a war to continue until an aggressor surrenders, it does not legitimise the complete destruction of the territory where an aggressor is fighting.

    The principle of proportionality also provides protections for civilians. Military actions are to be directed at the foreign forces who launched the attack, not civilians.

    While Israel has targeted Hamas fighters in its attacks, including those who orchestrated the October 7 attacks, these actions have caused significant collateral deaths of Palestinian civilians.

    Therefore, taken overall, the ongoing, 20-month military assault against Hamas, with its high numbers of civilian casualties, credible reports of famine and devastation of Gazan towns and cities, suggests Israel’s exercise of self-defence has become disproportionate.

    The principle of proportionality is also part of international humanitarian law. However, Israel’s actions on this front are a separate legal issue that has been the subject of investigation by the International Criminal Court.

    My aim here is to solely assess the legal question of proportionality in self-defence and international law.

    Is rescuing hostages in self-defence?

    Israel could separately argue it is exercising legitimate self-defence to rescue the remaining hostages held by Hamas.

    However, rescuing nationals as an exercise of self-defence is legally controversial. Israel set a precedent in 1976 when the military rescued 103 Jewish hostages from Entebbe, Uganda, after their aircraft had been hijacked.

    In current international law, there are very few other examples in which this interpretation of self-defence has been adopted – and no international consensus on its use.

    In Gaza, the size, scale and duration of Israel’s war goes far beyond a hostage rescue operation. Its aim is also to eliminate Hamas.

    Given this, rescuing hostages as an act of self-defence is arguably not a suitable justification for Israel’s ongoing military operations.

    An act of aggression?

    If Israel can no longer rely on self-defence to justify its Gaza military campaign, how would its actions be characterised under international law?

    Israel could claim it is undertaking a security operation as an occupying power.

    While the International Court of Justice said in an advisory opinion last year that Israel was engaged in an illegal occupation of Gaza, the court expressly made clear it was not addressing the circumstances that had evolved since October 7.

    Israel is indeed continuing to act as an occupying power, even though it has not physically reoccupied all of Gaza. This is irrelevant given the effective control it exercises over the territory.

    However, the scale of the IDF’s operations constitute an armed conflict and well exceed the limited military operations to restore security as an occupying power.

    Absent any other legitimate basis for Israel’s current conduct in Gaza, there is a strong argument that what is occurring is an act of aggression. The UN Charter and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court prohibit acts of aggression not otherwise justified under international law.

    These include invasions or attacks by the armed forces of a state, military occupations, bombardments and blockades. All of this has occurred – and continues to occur – in Gaza.

    The international community has rightly condemned Russia’s invasion as an act of aggression in Ukraine. Will it now do the same with Israel’s conduct in Gaza?

    Donald Rothwell receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Can Israel still claim self-defence to justify its Gaza war? Here’s what the law says – https://theconversation.com/can-israel-still-claim-self-defence-to-justify-its-gaza-war-heres-what-the-law-says-257822

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Motorists advised to expect delays: Greenlane

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Motorists are being advised to expect delays citybound from Greenlane this morning following a vehicle breakdown.

    The incident, between Greenlane and Market Roads, was reported to Police at about 6.30am.

    Road users are advised to expect delays or consider alternative routes to the CBD.

    ENDS.

    Nicole Bremner/NZ Police 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wilson Announces Commemorative Tree Dedication to Honor the late Congressman Floyd Spence

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

    **MEDIA ADVISORY**

    Wilson Announces Commemorative Tree Dedication to Honor the late Congressman Floyd Spence

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) will host the Dedication Ceremony for the Commemorative Tree to honor the life and legacy of the late Congressman Floyd Spence. 

         Congressman Spence served as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee from 1995 until 2001 and served as Congressman for South Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District from 1971 until his passing in 2001. 

    June 9th

    1:00-1:30 PM

    Southwest Lawn, U.S. Capitol 

    Washington, D.C. 20515

    Media interested in attending please RSVP to David Snider at david.snider@mail.house.gov.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ICE Captures Worst of the Worst Illegal Alien Criminals in Los Angeles Including Murderers, Sex Offenders, and Other Violent Criminals

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    California politicians and rioters are defending heinous illegal alien criminals at the expense of Americans safety

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published additional information about some of the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens arrested during Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Los Angeles operation.

    “Why do Governor Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass care more about violent murderers and sex offenders than they do about protecting their own citizens?” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “These rioters in Los Angeles are fighting to keep rapists, murderers, and other violent criminals loose on Los Angeles streets. Instead of rioting, they should be thanking ICE officers every single day who wake up and make our communities safer.”

    Below are just a few of the worst of the worst ICE arrested this week in Los Angeles:

    Cuong Chanh Phan

    ICE arrested Cuong Chanh Phan, a 49-year-old illegal alien from Vietnam. His criminal history includes a conviction for second degree murder and was sentenced to 15 years to life.

    Rolando Veneracion-Enriquez

    ICE arrested Rolando Veneracion-Enriquez, a 55-year-old illegal alien from the Philippines. His criminal history includes burglary in Ontario, CA with a sentence of four years in prison, sexual penetration with a foreign object with force and assault with intent to commit rape in Pomona, CA with a sentence of 37 years in prison. 

    Lionel Sanchez-Laguna

    ICE Los Angeles Lionel Sanchez-Laguna, a 55-year-old illegal alien from Mexico. Sanchez-Laguna’s criminal history includes discharging a firearm at an inhabited dwelling and vehicle in Orange, CA with a sentence of 365 days in jail, battery on spouse or cohabitant in Orange, CA with a sentence of four years of probation, willful cruelty to child in Orange, CA with a sentence of four years of probation, driving under the influence in Orange, CA with a sentence of ten days in jail, assault with semi-automatic firearm in Orange, CA with a sentence of three years in prison, and personal use of a firearm in Orange, CA with a sentence of three years in prison.

    Armando Ordaz

    ICE arrested Armando Ordaz, a 44-year-old illegal alien from Mexico. Ordaz’s criminal history includes sexual battery in Los Angeles, CA with a sentence of 135 days of jail and five years of probation, receiving known or stolen property in Norwalk, CA with a sentence of 90 days in jail and three years of probation, and petty theft in Los Angeles, CA with a sentence of 365 days in jail and four years of probation.

    Francisco Sanchez-Arguello

    ICE arrested Francisco Sanchez-Arguello, a 38-year-old illegal alien from Mexico. Sanchez-Arguello’s criminal history that includes arrests for grand theft larceny and possession of a prohibited weapon.

    Jose Gregorio Medranda Ortiz

    ICE arrested Jose Gregorio Medranda Ortiz, a 42-year-old illegal alien from Ecuador. Medranda Ortiz’s criminal history includes conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more cocaine while on board a vessel in Tampa, FL with a sentence of 135 months in prison.

    Victor Mendoza-Aguilar

    ICE arrested Victor Mendoza-Aguilar, a 32-year-old illegal alien from Mexico. His criminal history includes a conviction for possessing unlawful paraphernalia in Pasadena, CA with a sentence of 112 days jail, possessing controlled substances in Pasadena, CA with a sentence of 16 months in jail, assault with a deadly weapon: not firearm in Pasadena, CA with a sentence of four years in prison; obstructing a public officer in Pasadena, CA with a sentence of 364 days in jail.

    Delfino Aguilar-Martinez

    ICE arrested Delfino Aguilar-Martinez, a 51-year-old illegal alien from Mexico. Aguilar-Martinez’s criminal history includes assault with a deadly weapon with great bodily injury in Los Angeles, CA with a sentence of 365 days in jail. 

    Jose Cristobal Hernandez-Buitron

    ICE arrested Jose Cristobal Hernandez-Buitron, 43-year-old illegal alien from Peru. Hernandez-Buitron’s criminal history that includes a conviction for robbery that resulted in a 10-year sentence.

    Jordan Mauricio Meza-Esquibel

    ICE arrested Jordan Mauricio Meza-Esquibel, 32-year-old illegal alien from Honduras. Meza-Esquibel’s criminal history that includes arrests for distribution of heroin and cocaine and domestic violence.

    Jesus Alan Hernandez-Morales

    ICE arrested Jesus Alan Hernandez-Morales, a 26-year-old illegal alien from Mexico. His criminal history includes conspiracy to transport an illegal alien in Las Cruces, NM with a sentence of 239 days in jail. 

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal Crash, Station Road, Poroporo

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police can confirm one person has died following a serious crash in Poroporo overnight.

    At around 10pm, emergency services were called to a single-vehicle crash on Station Road near Buller Road.

    Sadly, one person was located deceased at the scene.

    Three other people were transported to hospital in a serious condition.

    The road was closed while the Serious Crash Unit conducted a scene examination.

    Station Road reopened at around 4.20am this morning.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MATSUI, SOTO, CASTOR, TONKO, AND COLLEAGUES DEMAND TRUMP ADMINISTRATION RELEASE ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (CA-07) Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09), Congresswoman Kathy Castor (FL-14), and Congressman Paul Tonko (NY-20) led a group of 33 lawmakers in a letter to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Executive Director Gloria Shepherd, demanding that they immediately release National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funding, following the Government Accountability Office’s finding that the funding freeze is illegal. 

    The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program provides funding to states to build a nationwide network of publicly accessible electric vehicle chargers along major highways across the country. Congress authorized $5 billion for the NEVI program through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The program has already had a transformative effect, creating jobs and catalyzing private investment throughout America. However, on February 6, the Trump Administration notified states that they were suspending the program and freezing states’ funding. This has left hundreds of projects and thousands of workers across the country in limbo.

    On May 22, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that these actions by the Trump Administration violated the Impoundment Control Act by illegally withholding funds that had been authorized by Congress. Despite this clear and unambiguous finding by Congress’s nonpartisan watchdog, the White House’s Office of Management and Budget instructed DOT on Wednesday to disregard the GAO ruling. 

    In response,the lawmakers wrote, “Congress did not give the Executive Branch the authority to withhold or rescind NEVI funding that has been made available to the states, and Congress clearly did not intend for the Administration to retroactively disapprove or suspend approval of state plans.” 

    “The Trump Administration’s continued attacks on the U.S. automobile industry are not only unamerican but also illegal,” the lawmakers concluded.  “As such, we request that FHWA immediately rescind the memo issued on February 6th and enable states to begin spending NEVI funds without delay.” 

    Full text of the letter can be found below or HERE. 

    Dear Secretary Duffy and Director Shepherd,

    We write to express our continued alarm and opposition to the Trump Administration’s illegal impoundment of formula funds under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program (NEVI). The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) has confirmed in a recent legal opinion that the Trump Administration’s actions withholding NEVI funding from expenditure violate the Impoundment Control Act, reaffirming what 52 Members of Congress have previously stated: this funding pause is not only harmful but illegal. Contrary to views expressed by the Office of Management and Budget,  the Administration’s actions clearly do not align with Congressional intent. The Trump Administration must immediately rescind the February 06, 2025, memorandum issued by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which suspended state electric vehicle infrastructure deployment plans and rescinded related guidance. States must be allowed to spend the funds to which they are legally entitled.  

    Congress authorized $5 billion for FY22 through FY26 in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for states to deploy EV charging infrastructure. Every state, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico submitted plans in accordance with the statute, and many have awarded contracts and deployed active charging stations. According to the GAO opinion, the $3,270,000,000 made available to states from FY22-FY25 constitutes an obligation and states are entitled to proceed with their programs. Congress did not give the Executive Branch the authority to withhold or rescind NEVI funding that has been made available to the states, and Congress clearly did not intend for the Administration to retroactively disapprove or suspend approval of state plans. The Trump Administration’s actions are therefore plainly counter to Congressional intent and illegal under the Impoundment Control Act.     

    NEVI is a critical investment in American infrastructure and innovation and is key to the long-term competitiveness of the American automobile industry. It is designed to increase accessibility and address range anxiety for Americans who choose to drive EVs. The program has already catalyzed significant private investment, and over 13,000 potential jobs could be at risk if the Administration does not release the NEVI funding.  Continued delay could lead to stranded assets and wasted expenditures. Importantly, a 2024 study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory projected that the U.S. would need 182,000 publicly accessible direct current fast chargers (DCFC) to accommodate the growing EV market, nearly triple the current capacity of around 55,000 charging ports. 

    The Trump Administration’s continued attacks on the U.S. automobile industry are not only unamerican but also illegal. As such, we request that FHWA immediately rescind the memo issued on February 6th and enable states to begin spending NEVI funds without delay. Inaction on this request may very well be unconstitutional.  

     

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Massive fire breaks out at Kabul clothing market

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    KABUL, June 8 (Xinhua) — A massive fire broke out at a second-hand clothing market in the Afghan capital Kabul on Sunday morning, local TV channel Ariana News reported.

    As the TV channel noted, citing one of the market’s traders, the fire broke out at around 9:00 a.m. local time in the area of the 5th police district in the western part of the capital, and the fire engulfed around 200 stores.

    Law enforcement officials reported that despite strong winds, firefighters managed to contain the fire.

    Thick black smoke was visible from several kilometers away, causing concern among residents of Kabul. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

    The blaze is the second major fire in Afghanistan in three weeks. On May 16, a fire at a market in the northern Kunduz province damaged several shops. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Quigley Reintroduces Bill to Stop Black Market Guns

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05)

    Today, U.S. Representative and Vice-Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force Mike Quigley (IL-05) reintroduced the Trafficking Reduction and Criminal Enforcement (TRACE) Act to help the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reduce the trafficking of illegal firearms and prevent criminals from obtaining these weapons.

    By repealing restrictions on gun trace data, the TRACE Act will enable the ATF to track the movement of illegal firearms across state lines and to share that data with state and local law enforcement. The bill will also hold gun dealers accountable by requiring them to monitor their inventory and report lost or stolen inventory to the ATF. The TRACE Act will help law enforcement crack down on the gun ‘black market,’ which often funnels firearms to states and cities with stricter gun laws in place, including Chicago.

    Quigley first introduced the TRACE Act in 2011 and has continued to revive the bill in each Congress since. 

    “The Chicago Police Department alone recovers roughly 7,000 illegal guns every year, but current law requires gun buyer background check records to be destroyed after 24 hours. My bill will stop the madness and require these background checks to be maintained for at least 180 days,” said Quigley. “I’m proud to reintroduce the TRACE Act this Gun Violence Awareness Month. Together, we can stop guns from ending up in the wrong hands.”

    In September 2022, Quigley led and passed the NICS Denial Notification Act as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022. The law now requires background check denials to be reported to state authorities to help enforce gun laws. Quigley also cosponsored the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Passed in June of 2022 with Quigley’s support, the law provided $250M for community violence intervention, $750M for crisis intervention, expanded background checks, closed the “boyfriend” loophole, and more. 

    The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, a key advocate for gun violence prevention, has endorsed the legislation. 

    “Huge quantities of firearms are recovered in the illegal market and at crime scenes every year, providing law enforcement the opportunity to trace these weapons and better understand where they are coming from. Yet, Congress has shielded the gun industry from public scrutiny and has deprived law enforcement of key data needed to truly understand and address the flow of crime guns. The TRACE Act will remove these barriers, allowing law enforcement to stymie the flow of firearms into our communities and hold lawbreaking gun industry actors accountable,” said Mark Collins, Director of Federal Policy at Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence. “Brady applauds Rep. Quigley for reintroducing the TRACE Act and is proud to support this legislation.” 

    The TRACE Act would:

    • Require background check records to be maintained for a minimum of 180 days. The Tiahrt Amendments currently require 24-hour record destruction, making it nearly impossible to catch law-breaking gun dealers who falsify their records or to track straw purchasers who buy guns on behalf of criminals.
    • Require gun dealers to perform inventory checks to report lost and stolen guns, a measure currently prohibited under the Tiahrt Amendments. If law-abiding dealers reported inventories, the ATF would be much more effective at identifying lost and stolen weapons and proactively combating corrupt gun dealers.
    • Repeal restrictions on gun trace data disclosures. Currently, members of the public, including researchers and litigants, cannot get trace data from the ATF under Tiahrt restrictions. Trace data is also inadmissible as evidence in civil proceedings under the existing policy. The TRACE Act would repeal these restrictions.
    • Require that new firearms have a second, hidden serial number located inside the frame or receiver that is only visible under infrared light when the firearm is fully disassembled. This would make it harder for criminals to remove serial numbers from firearms in an attempt to evade law enforcement.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Family appeal for help to find missing boy not seen in three months

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Police and the family of a 15-year-old boy are appealing to the public for their help to locate a missing teenager

    The family of a 15-year-old boy who has been missing since March are appealing for help to find him.

    Prince Watson, who lives in Ealing was last seen at around 16:00hrs on Saturday, 15 March in Friern Barnet.

    Since then, officers understand he may have been seen by friends in Hanwell. He also has links to The Hyde, Colindale, Southall and Romford.

    Prince is roughly 5’5” tall and slim build. When he was last seen he had a short back and sides haircut and was wearing a black jacket with grey tracksuit bottoms.

    Prince’s Grandmother has said:

    “We love and miss Prince dearly and are so worried about him. Please take a close look at the photo we are making public today, and don’t think twice about getting in touch if you have any information.”

    PC Ben Norris, from the Met’s West Area Missing Persons unit, added:

    “We are growing increasingly concerned about Prince’s wellbeing. Although we have been carrying out a number of enquiries in an effort to find him, we now need the public’s support in bringing him home.”

    If you see Prince, please call 999 and quote the reference 2409/07JUNE.

    If you believe you have previously seen him or have any other information, please call 101 providing the same reference.

    Alternatively, information can be reported 100 per cent anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. They never ask for personal details and they do not trace your device.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Canada must take action to prevent climate-related migration

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Christopher Campbell-Duruflé, Assistant Professor, Lincoln Alexander School of Law, Toronto Metropolitan University

    As wildfire season begins, the destructive impacts of climate change are being felt across Canada. Several communities in northern Saskatchewan have been issued evacuation orders due to wildfires. In Manitoba, Pimicikamak Cree Nation worked to evacuate hundreds of people as wildfires closed in, while smoke from those fires caused air-quality issues across the country.

    It isn’t just wildfires threatening people’s homes and livelihoods. In May, 1,600 residents from the Kashechewan Cree First Nation in Northern Ontario evacuated again due to flooding of the Albany River, which happens almost every year.

    The 2018 United Nations Climate Conference called on all states to adopt “laws, policies and strategies” meant “to avert, minimize and address displacement related to the adverse impacts of climate change.”

    The figures are disquieting. By 2050, more than 140 million people could become internal climate migrants in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America alone, especially if action towards reaching net-zero carbon emissions continues to be insufficient.

    Canada is not spared: 192,000 people were evacuated in 2023 due to disasters made more severe by climate change, including floods and wildfires. As climate change leads to more extreme weather, temporary climate displacement could become permanent migration.

    Climate migration

    The World Bank defines internal climate migration as having to relocate for at least a decade to a location 14 kilometres or more away from your community because of climate impacts.

    Research I presented at the 2025 Canadian Association for Refugee and Forced Migration Studies Conference at Toronto Metropolitan University analyzed how Canada addresses the climate migration challenge in its submissions under the Paris Agreement, which requires parties to adapt to climate change.

    The Canadian government understated the reality of internal climate migration in its submissions under the 2015 Paris Agreement, which obscure the gravity of this phenomenon.

    One of those submissions is the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), the cornerstone report each state party must present every five years. Canada’s NDC from 2021 recognizes that climate change harms certain populations more than others, but does not address temporary displacement, let alone internal climate migration.

    The Fort McMurray wildfires displaced more than 80,000 people in 2016, with its population declining 11 per cent between 2015 and 2018. Similarly, the 2019 Québec spring floods displaced more than 10,000 people and, in Sainte-Marie, hundreds of low-income families abandoned the city because they could not afford the reconstructed homes.

    A clear definition of internal climate migrants in Canada, robust data and better co-ordination among Indigenous, municipal, provincial and federal governments is needed.

    This is something a National Adaptation Act could deliver, as a part of a comprehensive framework to bolster adaptation action across the country.

    Transparency lacking

    Canada submitted an adaptation communication in 2024. The communication discusses climate impacts but mentions internal displacement only once. It contains no data or discussion of when displacement becomes permanent, nor does it focus on the disproportionate impact on equity-deserving groups.

    The government submitted an updated NDC earlier this year. It noted “the devastating impact of wildfires, floods, drought and melting permafrost on communities across the country” but only briefly discusses adaptation, referring instead to the 2023 National Adaptation Strategy. The only mentions of displacement come in appended submissions by Indigenous Peoples, including Trʼondëk Hwëchʼin First Nation and Makivvik.

    Indigenous Peoples suffer from flawed adaptation policies and institutional barriers that prevent them from effectively responding to emergencies. As a result, First Nations evacuate 328 times more frequently than settler communities during climate disasters.

    In 2011, for example, officials in Manitoba diverted flood waters to Lake St. Martin to protect urban, cottage and agricultural properties. In the process, they flooded 17 First Nations and displaced 4,525 people. Return of the 1,400 residents of the Lake St. Martin First Nation to a new location only started in 2017, and as recently as 2020 displaced families were protesting on highways for their right to housing.

    A national adaptation act

    Canada should adopt a clear definition of internal climate migrants that captures displacement from climate disasters and slow-onset phenomena like sea-level rise, permafrost thaw and biodiversity loss.

    UN experts released a Technical Guide on Human Mobility in 2024, calling for “a sound evidence base on the patterns and trends, as well as on the drivers and outcomes” of climate-induced mobility. It also highlighted the need for adaptation efforts “that are informed by stakeholder consultations” and “existing (Indigenous) adaptation practices.”

    Defining internal climate migrants would allow Canada to gather robust data at last, and to act decisively on it.

    One first step is the federal government’s pledge of a National Recovery Strategy by 2028, which would set out “shorter time frames for displaced individuals to be able to return to their homes or resettle after climate change disaster events.” But a comprehensive approach is needed to go beyond the fragmented landscape of federal and provincial strategies.

    The Canadian government should work with all stakeholders toward the adoption of a National Adaptation Act, like Brazil, Germany and Japan.

    Such a law could remove barriers to Indigenous adaptation action, co-ordinate efforts across orders of governments to prevent displacements, define internal climate migration, ensure data collection and protect the rights of people temporarily displaced or internally migrating because of climate change.

    It should also aim for greater transparency and accountability than what Canada has so far achieved with its Paris Agreement submissions.

    Christopher Campbell-Duruflé receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada for his research. He serves on the Legal Committee of the Centre québécois du droit de l’environnement.

    – ref. Canada must take action to prevent climate-related migration – https://theconversation.com/canada-must-take-action-to-prevent-climate-related-migration-257607

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Evans co-leads bill to restore basic right to victims of gun violence

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Dwight Evans (2nd District of Pennsylvania)

    Bill would help victims & survivors hold companies accountable in court, discourage illegal sales, defective guns and irresponsible marketing

    WASHINGTON (June 6, 2025) – U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans (D-PA-03) is co-leading reintroduction of the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act, legislation to ensure that victims of gun violence would have their day in court and that negligent gun companies and gun sellers are not shielded from liability when they disregard public safety. 

    The bill would repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), passed by Congress in 2005, which gives the gun industry a unique and unjustifiable legal liability shield that protects gun manufacturers from lawsuits.

    “As someone who’s advocated for this concept in Pennsylvania’s legislature and now in Congress, I’m proud to be a co-lead on this bill to restore this basic right of victims and survivors – a right that a heavy-handed federal government took away 20 years ago. So many American gun deaths could be avoided if we held companies accountable for things like illegal sales, defective guns and irresponsible marketing. State attorneys general were able to hold Big Tobacco accountable in the 1990s, and they should be able to hold gun manufacturing companies accountable in the 21st century since thousands of lives depend on it. This legislation would be an important tool in the toolbox to protect our citizens from gun violence,” Evans said.

    Evans’ lead partners on the legislation are U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and were joined this week, the start of Gun Violence Awareness Month, by U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and U.S. Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), Jason Crow (D-Colo.), and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) in leading a group of 81 members of Congress in introducing the bill in both the House and Senate.

    Murphy, Blumenthal, Swalwell, Schiff, Evans, and Thompson announced the legislation during a virtual press conference joined by leading gun violence prevention advocates: Kris Brown, president of Brady; Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action; and Adam Skaggs, chief counsel and vice president of GIFFORDS Law Center. Video of the press conference is available here.

    Pennsylvania co-sponsors of the legislation include Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), and U.S. Reps Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), and Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05).

    When Congress passed PLCAA, its supporters argued that it was necessary to protect the gun industry from frivolous lawsuits, and that victims of gun violence would not be shut out of the courts. In reality, numerous cases around the nation have been dismissed on the basis of PLCAA, even when the gun dealers and manufacturers acted in a fashion that would qualify as negligent if it involved any other product. Victims in these cases were denied the right to even discover or introduce evidence. This legislation would allow civil cases to go forward against irresponsible bad actors.

    “There’s absolutely no reason why the gun industry should get special treatment when it comes to negligence. Their immunity from lawsuits effectively gives them a license to kill. It’s past time for Congress to repeal PLCAA and allow gun violence victims their day in court,” said Murphy.

    “PLCAA is the ultimate sweetheart deal – legal immunity afforded to basically no other industry for a product that kills tens of thousands of Americans every year,” said Blumenthal. “Despite the strength and perseverance of the Sandy Hook, Uvalde, and Highland Park families – and the tenacity of their legal teams – this is a problem that cannot be solved only through the courts. PLCAA must be repealed by Congress.”

    “No industry in American has a liability shield like gun manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and importers,” said Swalwell. “The NRA and their GOP stooges made sure that the gun industry has a unique immunity from accountability. This bill ends that ridiculous carve out. The Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act will finally repeal the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) once and for all, allowing victims of gun violence to bring civil suits against gun producers and sellers. The time has long since come for Congress to be clear – if you put the most dangerous weapons in the hands of the most dangerous people, you will be held accountable.”

    “More than a 100 Americans are killed by a gun every single day in America. And yet, Congress does nothing to hold the gun industry accountable when the negligence of gun makers and dealers is responsible for the tragic consequences their products have on our kids, our families, and our communities. As long as gun violence continues to take the lives of so many in California and across the nation, I will fight to repeal the liability shield that wrongly protects negligent gun industry actors from liability,” said Schiff.

    “Victims and survivors should be able to hold the gun industry accountable in court for negligent behavior. But right now, the gun industry is shielded from any liability when they disregard public safety. That’s wrong,” said Crow. “I’m introducing this bill so we can finally hold the gun industry responsible.”

    “In the 20 years since PLCAA was passed, it’s become clear that negligent gun manufacturers and dealers have taken advantage of the law. Responsible manufacturers and dealers don’t need this legal protection – and irresponsible ones are hiding behind it. As a hunter, combat veteran and responsible gun owner, I’m proud to work with Senator Blumenthal and Representative Swalwell to introduce this sensible legislation,” said Thompson, Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.

    In 2005, the National Rifle Association (NRA) identified PLCAA as their “number one” legislative priority, and the NRA celebrated the passage calling it the “most significant piece of pro-gun legislation in twenty years.” Changing the law to let courts hear these cases would provide justice to victims and their families, while creating incentives for responsible business practices that would reduce injuries and deaths. Effectively, the gun industry would once again be subject to the same laws as every other industry, just as it was prior to 2005.

    The legislation is endorsed by Brady, GIFFORDS Law Center, Everytown for Gun Safety, March for Our Lives, Guns Down America, Newtown Action Alliance, and Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund.

    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Rep. Jim Costa Pushes to Strengthen Federal Support for Survivors of Domestic Violence

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

    WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) stood alongside members of the Bipartisan Working Group to End Domestic Violence during a press conference on the House Triangle as part of a national Day of Action. The event highlighted the urgent need to protect and expand federal funding for victim service organizations that are the backbone of survivor support across the country.
    Rep. Costa underscored the critical role these programs play in helping survivors recover—mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially—especially in underserved communities like those in California’s Central Valley.

    The Day of Action brought together lawmakers, advocates, and service providers calling on Congress to prioritize long-term, sustainable funding for the infrastructure that supports victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse.
    Rep. Costa has long championed efforts to protect survivors and expand access to legal aid, mental health care, housing assistance, and crisis response services.
    ###
    Congressman Jim Costa is the Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Crime Survivors and Justice Caucus. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New Zealand’s foreign policy stance on Palestine lacks transparency

    COMMENTARY: By John Hobbs

    It is difficult to understand what sits behind the New Zealand government’s unwillingness to sanction, or threaten to sanction, the Israeli government for its genocide against the Palestinian people.

    The United Nations, human rights groups, legal experts and now genocide experts have all agreed it really is “genocide” which is being committed by the state of Israel against the civilian population of Gaza.

    It is hard to argue with the conclusion genocide is happening, given the tragic images being portrayed across social and increasingly mainstream media.

    Prime Minister Netanyahu has presented Israel’s assault on Gaza war as pitting “the sons of light” against “the sons of darkness”. And promised the victory of Judeo-Christian civilisation against barbarism.

    A real encouragement to his military there should be no-holds barred in exercising indiscriminate destruction over the people of Gaza.

    Given this background, one wonders what the nature of the advice being provided by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the minister entails?

    Does the ministry fail to see the destruction and brutal killing of a huge proportion of the civilian people of Gaza? And if they see it, are they saying as much to the minister?

    Cloak of ‘diplomatic language’
    Or is the advice so nuanced in the cloak of “diplomatic language” it effectively says nothing and is crafted in a way which gives the minister ultimate freedom to make his own political choices.

    The advice of the officials becomes a reflection of what the minister is looking for — namely, a foreign policy approach that gives him enough freedom to support the Israeli government and at the same time be in step with its closest ally, the United States.

    The problem is there is no transparency around the decision-making process, so it is impossible to tell how decisions are being made.

    I placed an Official Information Act request with the Minister of Foreign Affairs in January 2024 seeking advice received by the minister on New Zealand’s obligations under the Genocide Convention.

    The request was refused because while the advice did exist, it fell outside the timeline indicated by my request.

    It was emphasised if I were to put in a further request for the advice, it was unlikely to be released.

    They then advised releasing the information would be likely to prejudice the security or defence of New Zealand and the international relations of the government of New Zealand, and withholding it was necessary to maintain legal professional privilege.

    Public interest vital
    It is hard to imagine how the release of such information might prejudice the security or defence of New Zealand or that the legal issues could override the public interest.

    It could not be more important for New Zealanders to understand the basis for New Zealand’s foreign policy choices.

    New Zealand is a contracting party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Under the convention, “genocide, whether committed in time of peace or in time of war, is a crime under international law which they [the contracting parties] undertake to prevent and punish”.

    Furthermore: The Contracting Parties undertake to enact, in accordance with their respective Constitutions, the necessary legislation to give effect to the provisions of the present Convention, and, in particular, to provide effective penalties for persons guilty of genocide. (Article 5).

    Accordingly, New Zealand must play an active part in its prevention and put in place effective penalties. Chlöe Swarbrick’s private member’s Bill to impose sanctions is one mechanism to do this.

    In response to its two-month blockade of food, water and medical supplies to Gaza, and international pressure, Israel has agreed to allow a trickle of food to enter Gaza.

    However, this is only a tiny fraction of what is needed to avert famine. Understandably, Israel’s response has been criticised by most of the international community, including New Zealand.

    Carefully worded statement
    In a carefully worded statement, signed by a collective of European countries, together with New Zealand and Australia, it is requested that Israel allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza, an immediate return to ceasefire and a return of the hostages.

    Radio New Zealand interviewed the Foreign Minister Winston Peters to better understand the New Zealand position.

    Peters reiterated his previous statements, expressing Israel’s actions of withholding food as “intolerable” but when asked about putting in place concrete sanctions he stated any such action was a “long, long way off”, without explaining why.

    New Zealand must be clear about its foreign policy position, not hide behind diplomatic and insincere rhetoric and exercise courage by sanctioning Israel as it has done with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

    As a minimum, it must honour its responsibilities under the Convention on Genocide and, not least, to offer hope and support for the utterly powerless and vulnerable Palestinian people before it is too late.

    John Hobbs is a doctoral candidate at the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies (NCPACS) at the University of Otago. This article was first published by the Otago Daily Times and is republished with the author’s permission.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKFP holds “The Little Grape’s 5th Anti-Scam Birthday Party” to promote scam prevention messages

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKFP holds “The Little Grape’s 5th Anti-Scam Birthday Party” to promote scam prevention messages

    The Hong Kong Police Force held “The Little Grape’s 5th Anti-Scam Birthday Party” today (June 8) at Harcourt Garden in Admiralty to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the anti-scam mascot, “The Little Grape”. Through interactive games and fun challenges, the event aimed to boost public awareness of scam prevention.Issued at HKT 18:43

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Celebrating Capital of Equality Grants recipients

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.

    You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Serious crash Mansfield Park

    Source: New South Wales – News

    Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at Mansfield Park.

    Just before 6.30pm on Sunday 8 June, police and paramedics were called to Hanson Road after a person was struck by a car.

    Hanson Road is closed in both directions between Hamilton Road and Waller Street.

    Motorists are asked to avoid the area.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: A glimpse into free school camps at Birrigai

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Campers get to make, cook and taste their own damper.

    In brief:

    • ACT public primary school students have begun attending free school camps at Birrigai Outdoor School.
    • The ACT Government launched the free camps program in February 2025.
    • This article looks at what students experience on a Birrigai camp.

    Since the ACT Government launched its free camps program in February this year, over 640 students have experienced one at Birrigai Outdoor School, near Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

    Another 370 students are booked to attend their free camp by the end of Term 2, which means Birrigai will have hosted more than 1000 students from 13 schools for free camps by mid-year.

    Camp is a fun and important part of schooling. But have you ever wondered what students actually get up to?

    This article looks at what ACT public primary school students can expect on their free overnight camp.

    The free camps program

    The free camps program gives one year group from each ACT public primary school a free overnight camp at Birrigai each year.

    This ensures all ACT public primary school students attend a free camp during their primary school years.

    Free camps mean all students can attend, with no one missing out due to cost.

    All ACT public primary schools will have their first free camp in 2025 or 2026.

    The campers’ itinerary

    Birrigai offers different programs aligned with the curriculum. Themes include:

    • First Nations culture
    • Outdoor adventure and science
    • Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities.

    Outdoor activities are central to the experience. On camp, students may take part in:

    • adventure bush walks
    • team-building exercises like team treks and rope courses
    • campfires, damper cooking and seed grinding (and enjoying Birrigai biscuits)
    • challenges such as the crate climb, Vertical Playpen and Giant’s Ladder
    • a connection to Country experience with Birrigai Aboriginal rangers
    • learning about plants and living creatures, including kangaroos, emus, yabbies, Bogong moths and Muliyan (eagles)
    • arts and craft – from sketching their environment to building a shelter
    • play-based learning, storytelling and singing
    • self-directed exploration
    • collecting data as part of Birrigai’s ongoing EcoSurvey.

    Programs vary due to the age and size of the group, the season and weather conditions.

    The Birrigai experience

    Local parents and carers may recall their own school camps at Birrigai, which was established in 1980.

    The outdoor school is surrounded by mountains, woodland and streams. It is of historical and ongoing significance to the Ngunnawal people.

    Students can see archaeological sites over 25,000 years old. There’s also plenty of wildlife to spot.

    Birrigai camps help students view the world differently and connect or re-connect to Country.

    Food and accommodation

    Students experience the novelty of sleeping in bunk-style cabins.

    These are heated and air-conditioned and have shared internal bathrooms.

    There are also facilities to cater for people with additional needs.

    At mealtimes, everyone eats together in Birrigai’s large dining hall.

    Meals are freshly prepared by an in-house catering team. Food aligns with the National Healthy School Canteen Guidelines.

    The team can accommodate specific dietary needs. Birrigai is a nut-free site.

    Ensuring equity in education

    The free camps program complements other initiatives aimed at helping Canberra families with school costs. These include:

    Find out more at education.act.gov.au

    Read more like this:

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SJ’s address at Ceremony for Admission of New Senior Counsel (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SJ’s address at Ceremony for Admission of New Senior Counsel (English only) 
    Chief Justice, members of the Judiciary, Chairman of the Bar (Hong Kong Bar Association), President of the Law Society (Law Society of Hong Kong), fellow members of the legal profession, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         On behalf of the Department of Justice, I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to the three new silks: Ms Catrina Lam, Ms Priscilia Lam and Mr Timothy Parker. Their appointments as Senior Counsel are undoubtedly well deserved.
     
         I have to confess that I had a mixed feeling upon seeing their names in the press release of the Judiciary. On the one hand, I noted at once that the family name of two of the appointees is “Lam” (林). I am, naturally, very proud and pleased that the “Lams” seem to be doing quite well in the legal field. Other prominent examples would include eminent members of the Judiciary such as Johnson Lam PJ and Godfrey Lam JA. On the other hand, I was a bit concerned that this is second year in a row that there are more female appointees than male!
     
         Catrina has a very successful practice mainly in the area of commercial and competition law. For those of you who know the Chinese names of Catrina and me, apart from having the same family name, the second character is also identical i.e. “定”. Very shortly after the Judiciary’s announcement, I received a WeChat message from a lawyer friend on the Mainland asking very seriously whether Catrina is my younger sister!
     
         Priscilia, as we all know, specialises in criminal law. The Department of Justice has instructed her to prosecute in many important criminal cases. When I was preparing this speech, I asked one of my colleagues in the Prosecution Division whether there is anything funny or interesting that I can say about Priscilia. To my disappointment, the answer that I received is that “Sorry, I tried and tried, scratched my head, but I just can’t think of anything funny.” Perhaps I have not asked the right person. Anyhow, it is well known that Priscilia is very sporty; and is very good at kick boxing, snowboarding and wake surfing. At one point, I was very tempted to consult Zervos JA, who is, as we all know, the dear husband of Priscilia, on the level of her kick boxing skills as he might have some first-hand experience but, on reflection, that did not appear to be a good idea at all!
     
         As to Timothy, he has a general civil practice and is particularly recognised for his expertise in public law and constitutional matters. I was told that his son, Graham, was born last month. So, coupled with his appointment as Senior Counsel, this is what we would say in Chinese: “雙喜臨門”, double happiness.
     
         Apart from today’s ceremony, there were two other significant legal events in the past week or so. First, last Wednesday, the Legislative Council approved the appointment of Sir William Young, an eminent former judge of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, as a foreign non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal. Second, about a week ago on May 30, 33 countries including China signed the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in Hong Kong. Representatives from around other 40 countries and 20 international organisations also attended the ceremony. These encouraging developments demonstrate that Hong Kong’s status as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre is strongly supported and acknowledged by our country and the international community.
     
         Hong Kong’s success in this respect so far is attributed to our common law system, which is indeed one of the most important and distinctive advantages enjoyed by Hong Kong under the principle of “one country, two systems”. While we must do our best to preserve and enhance the essential features and core values of our common law system, it is vital not to overlook many challenges ahead. Senior Counsel, as leaders of our strong and independent bar, are expected and required to play proactive and leading roles in overcoming these challenges. For the present purpose, I would like to mention three of them.
     
    The first challenge is how to use technological innovations to promote efficiency, but without compromising the integrity, of judicial proceedings. I wish to quote from an English decision handed down yesterday in Ayinde, R (On the Application of) v Qatar National Bank QPSC & Anor [2025] EWHC 1383 (Admin) “Artificial intelligence is a tool that carries with it risks as well as opportunities. Its use must take place therefore with an appropriate degree of oversight, and within a regulatory framework that ensures compliance with well-established professional and ethical standards if public confidence in the administration of justice is to be maintained… In the context of legal research, the risks of using artificial intelligence are now well known. Freely available generative artificial intelligence tools, trained on a large language model such as ChatGPT are not capable of conducting reliable legal research. Such tools can produce apparently coherent and plausible responses to prompts, but those coherent and plausible responses may turn out to be entirely incorrect. The responses may make confident assertions that are simply untrue. They may cite sources that do not exist. They may purport to quote passages from a genuine source that do not appear in that source. Those who use artificial intelligence to conduct legal research notwithstanding these risks have a professional duty therefore to check the accuracy of such research…There are serious implications for the administration of justice and public confidence in the justice system if artificial intelligence is misused. In those circumstances, practical and effective measures must now be taken by those within the legal profession with individual leadership responsibilities (such as heads of chambers and managing partners) and by those with the responsibility for regulating the provision of legal services. Those measures must ensure that every individual currently providing legal services within this jurisdiction (whenever and wherever they were qualified to do so) understands and complies with their professional and ethical obligations and their duties to the court if using artificial intelligence.” It is clear that these important remarks apply equally to Hong Kong.
     
         The second challenge is how to enhance the synergy between our common law system and the Mainland legal system under the principle of “one country, two systems”. To maintain Hong Kong’s unique attractiveness as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between China and the rest of the world in the provision of legal and dispute resolution services, it is essential to review, and improve on, the existing mutual legal assistance arrangements in civil and commercial matters continuously. All of them are concerned with either judicial or arbitration proceedings in which counsel are usually heavily involved. On the other hand, there is a huge and growing demand on the Mainland for capacity building on international legal practice. A good recent example is the Legal Services Forum, which included a mock arbitration, held in Xi’an about two weeks ago in late May, which was attended by a large number of Mainland lawyers not just from Shaanxi but many other neighbouring provinces and regions in Western China. One of the most sought-after topics in these capacity building programmes is the skill and etiquette of oral advocacy, which is something that Senior Counsel are renowned for.
     
         The third challenge is to maintain Hong Kong’s international image regarding its rule of law. We have to face the music. For whatever reasons, many people outside Hong Kong do not have a proper and complete understanding of the present state of the rule of law, and the actual operation of our legal and judicial systems, in Hong Kong. Nowadays, perception is reality. A negative perception, no matter how misplaced, is liable to impair people’s trust and confidence in Hong Kong as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre. Senior Counsel, owing to their status as respectable and independent legal professionals as well as skillful advocates, are best positioned to tell the good and true story of Hong Kong in this regard.
     
         These challenges must, of course, be overcome by different branches of the legal profession of Hong Kong together. But, as I said earlier and for reasons that I explained, it is reasonably expected that Senior Counsel, as an institution representing the cream of our profession, should take the lead to do so. I sincerely hope that the three new silks would join the efforts in this respect.
     
         On this note, may I wish all three of you all the best and every success. Thank you.
    Issued at HKT 12:22

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS and Idaho Team up in Joint Immigration Enforcement Operation

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS and Idaho Team up in Joint Immigration Enforcement Operation

    lass=”text-align-center”> Idaho is helping DHS keep America safe 
    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Idaho Governor Brad Little announced that the state of Idaho has signed a new agreement to support President Trump’s deportation agenda

    Idaho State Police will be working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to send hundreds of criminal illegal aliens in Idaho jails to ICE detention facilities for deportation

    This agreement was made under the 287g authority of the Immigration and Nationality Act

    “287(g) is critically important to our strategy of having the enforcement that we need to really address the criminal activities that we’ve seen out on the ground,” said Secretary Noem

    “It has been wonderful to see people jump in and be a part of it to make sure that we have not just the authorities that we need to go out there and to work, but also to have the local knowledge and the people in the community that really want to be a part of the solution

    We are looking for more agreements like that across the country, and we will continue to build on it

    ”
    Under President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership, DHS has expanded enforcement cooperation with state and local law enforcement to historic levels

    Since President Trump took office, ICE has signed hundreds of new agreements, bringing the current total to 649

    Announcing the agreement, Governor Little said: “Idaho is stepping up to help the Trump administration transport illegal immigrants with criminal histories out of our jails and to ICE facilities, where they will be deported out of our country

    These criminals here illegally have committed crimes such as domestic violence, robbery, driving under the influence, and other dangerous activities that threaten Idaho families, but in counties across our state they are being released back into our communities after arrest

    This is unacceptable

    Idaho has taken many steps to increase our coordination with the Trump administration in the enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws, and I want to further strengthen our state’s partnership with President Trump to help address the national emergency posed by years of reckless border policies under the Biden-Harris administration

    ”
    “I’m really encouraged to see Idaho making its communities safer by signing on with our 287(g) program,” said Acting Director of ICE Todd Lyons

    “You have to remember that we’re talking about criminals — and often, they won’t take an arrest sitting down — so when local jails are allowed to turn them over to ICE in a safe setting, we don’t need to send dozens of federal law enforcement officers into the public to make arrests

    Partnerships like this one keep offenders out of communities and protect our families, friends and neighbors

    ”
    DHS has recently conducted several successful 287g operations with its partners, including:

    Operation Tidal Wave in Florida, which arrested nearly 1,200 criminal illegal aliens

    An operation in Nashville, TN that arrested nearly 200 criminal illegal aliens

    An operation in Salt Lake City, UT that arrested 52 criminal illegal aliens

     
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Construction has begun on Watson Health Precinct

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The upgraded facilities will provide a welcoming, secure and inclusive environment for people as they recover.

      In brief:

    • Construction on the Watson Health Precinct has begun.
    • The upgrades will provide new purpose-built facilities to support alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services.
    • A new residential rehabilitation facility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be built.

    Construction has begun on the Watson Health Precinct redevelopment.

    The new facilities will support better health services for young people and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Canberra.

    The precinct will include:

    • facilities to support alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services
    • a residential mental health care facility for young people
    • a residential rehabilitation facility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

    Improved care facilities for young people

    The Ted Noffs Foundation will provide live-in alcohol and other drug rehabilitation services for young people.

    Residential care for young people experiencing mental health challenges will be provided by Marymead CatholicCare.

    Image: Artist impression of CatholicCare courtyard.

    A rehabilitation facility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

    A residential rehabilitation facility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander will be built.

    Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services (Winnunga) will run the service.

    Winnunga has led the design of the new facility.

    This partnership helps ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive culturally appropriate care to support their recovery.

    Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2026.

    Find out more about the government’s health projects on the Built for CBR website.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Appeal for information: Hit and run, Paremoremo

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Attributable to Sergeant Jason Cleeton:

    Police are asking for the public’s help after a hit-and-run incident this morning that left two women and their dogs injured.

    Emergency services were called to Attwood Road, Paremoremo, about 7.10am after a report of a white ute striking two pedestrians.

    The vehicle then left the scene without stopping.

    One woman sustained serious injuries and another moderate.

    Both were transported to hospital for treatment.

    Police are now working to identify the driver of the vehicle which struck the women.

    The ute was travelling on Attwood Road towards Paremoremo Road.

    It sustained some damage in the crash, which will likely be noticeable.

    If you have any information about this vehicle or its driver, we are urging you to get in touch.

    We would also like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident who has not yet spoken to us.

    If you can help, please call 105 and quote reference number 250608/7303.

    You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Gaza plea: RSF, CPJ and 150+ media outlets call on Israel to open Strip to foreign journalists, protect Palestinian reporters

    Pacific Media Watch

    More than 150 press freedom advocacy groups and international newsrooms have joined Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) in issuing a public appeal demanding that Israel grant foreign journalists immediate, independent and unrestricted access to the Gaza Strip.

    The organisations are also calling for the full protection of Palestinian journalists, nearly 200 — the Gaza Media Office says more than 230 — of whom have been killed by the Israeli military over the past 20 months.

    For more than 20 months, Israeli authorities have barred foreign journalists from entering the Gaza Strip, says RSF in a media release.

    During the same period, the Israeli army killed nearly 200 Palestinian journalists in the blockaded territory, including at least 45 slain for their work.

    Palestinian journalists who continue reporting — the only witnesses on the ground — are facing unbearable conditions, including forced displacement, famine, and constant threats to their lives.

    This collective appeal, launched by RSF and CPJ, brings together prominent news outlets from every continent demanding the right to send correspondents into Gaza to report alongside Palestinian journalists.

    The signatories include Asia Pacific Report from Aotearoa New Zealand.

    “The media blockade imposed on Gaza, combined with the massacre of nearly 200 journalists by the Israeli army, is enabling the total destruction and erasure of the blockaded territory,” said RSF director-general Thibaut Bruttin.

    “Israeli authorities are banning foreign journalists from entering and ruthlessly asserting their control over information.

    “This is a methodical attempt to silence the facts, suppress the truth, and isolate the Palestinian press and population.

    Asia Pacific Report . . . one of the signatories to the Gaza plea. Image: APR

    “We call on governments, international institutions and heads of state to end their complicit silence, enforce the immediate opening of Gaza to foreign media, and uphold a principle that is frequently trampled — under international humanitarian law, killing a journalist is a war crime.

    “This principle has been violated far too often and must now be enforced.”

    RSF director-general Thibaut Bruttin speaking at the reception celebrating seven years of Taipei’s Asia Pacific office in October 2024. Image: Pacific Media Watch

    The media blockade on Gaza persists despite repeated calls from RSF to guarantee foreign journalists independent access to the Strip, and legal actions such as the Foreign Press Association’s (FPA) petition to the Israeli Supreme Court.

    Palestinian journalists, meanwhile, are trapped, displaced, starved, defamed and targeted due to their work.

    Those who have survived this unprecedented massacre of journalists now find themselves without shelter, equipment, medical care or even food, according to a CPJ report. They face the risk of being killed at any moment.

    To end the enduring impunity that allows these crimes to continue, RSF has repeatedly referred cases to the International Criminal Court (ICC), urging it to investigate alleged war crimes committed against journalists in Gaza by the Israeli army.

    RSF also provides aid to Palestinian journalists on the ground — particularly in Gaza — through partnerships with local organisations such as ARIJ (Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism).

    This partnership provides Palestinian journalists with psychological and professional support, ensuring the continued publication of high-quality reporting despite the blockade and the risks.

    Through this cooperation, RSF reaffirms its commitment to defending independent, rigorous journalism — even under the most extreme conditions.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Cambodia, Thailand hope peaceful settlement of border dispute

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    Both Cambodia and Thailand expressed hopes for a peaceful settlement of the border dispute after a brief exchange of gunfire in a disputed border area on May 28.

    Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on Saturday that he hopes to resolve the border issue with Thailand peacefully.

    “Cambodia adheres to the principles of maintaining peace, friendship and good cooperation with Thailand,” Hun Manet posted on his Facebook page, saying Cambodia has decided to refer the dispute to the International Court of Justice.

    “The decision is to seek a peaceful and permanent solution to the border problems in those areas, rather than leaving the problem to remain ambiguous for a long time, which could lead to a new armed conflict,” he added.

    Hun Manet said Cambodia would continue to collaborate with Thai parties to promote the measurement of the border and establish the remaining border using the Cambodia-Thai Joint Boundary Commission mechanism.

    Speaking at a press conference, Thai Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nikorndej Balankura called on the Cambodian side to “reduce the level of tension along the border to prevent the situation from escalating unnecessarily.”

    Following the late-May military skirmish, Thailand has exercised “the utmost restraint” and focused on resolving the situation peacefully by pursuing all diplomatic channels to de-escalate tensions, Nikorndej said.

    Meanwhile, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2025, posted on X on Friday that he has “engaged with the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Cambodia” regarding the ongoing border issues.

    “I urge Thailand and Cambodia to continue exercising restraint, take measures to de-escalate tensions, and work towards a peaceful and comprehensive resolution,” Anwar said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Immigration raids in Los Angeles trigger mass protests

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raided several locations in Los Angeles on Friday, sparking mass protests downtown.

    As immigration crackdowns continue across Southern California and the nation, the raids have resulted in at least 44 individuals being detained, igniting widespread protests, confrontations and chaos in the second-largest U.S. city.

    As videos posted online showed, about a hundred protesters were in a standoff with immigration agents on Friday noon, when several workers were taken into custody in handcuffs at a clothing store in the Fashion District.

    The Service Employees International Union California issued a statement saying the union’s president, David Huerta, was “injured and detained” during the raid.

    Huerta was arrested for “interfering with federal officers” as he “deliberately obstructed their access by blocking their vehicle,” said United States Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli in an X post.

    Essayli also said federal agents were serving a search warrant in the Fashion District for alleged fictitious employee documents. He said there’s reason to believe an employer was using fictitious documents for some of its workers.

    In the evening, about 500 people gathered in downtown Los Angeles to protest the raids. Large crowds walked through the area holding signs and chanting “ICE out of LA”.

    Videos from the scene showed protesters clashing with policemen as tear gas and pepper spray were used. Some protesters used hammers to break concrete columns and throw large broken concrete at the officers.

    Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Chief Jim McDonnell issued a statement Friday, saying LAPD was not involved in civil immigration enforcement during the daytime. However, the LAPD declared the protest in the evening as an unlawful assembly and later issued a City Wide Tactical Alert, requesting all officers to remain on duty.

    “I’m aware that these actions cause anxiety for many Angelenos,” McDonnell said in the statement, “I want everyone, including our immigrant community, to feel safe calling the police in their time of need and know that the LAPD will be there for you without regard to one’s immigration status.”

    Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass released a statement Friday night, saying that she was “deeply angered” by the federal immigration enforcement actions in the city.

    “These tactics sow terror in our communities and distrust basic principles of safety in our city. My office is in close coordination with immigrant rights community organizations. We will not stand for this,” said the statement.

    Local community organizations held a press conference in the evening denouncing the raids.

    “They were random sweeps, and they were picking up our community in random sweeps. They were racially profiling our community,” said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition of Humane Immigrant Rights, at the conference. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON ARREST OF DAVID HUERTA

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (8th District of New York)

    Know Your Immigration Rights

    If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes.

    Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

    Your right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history.

    Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

    The New York City Office of Civil Justice and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) support a variety of free immigration legal services through local nonprofit legal organizations. To access these resources, dial 311 and say “Action NYC,” call the MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 800-354-0365 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. or visit MOIA’s website.

    Learn more here: KNOW YOUR IMMIGRATION RIGHTS  – Congressman Hakeem Jeffries

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrests – Aggravated robbery – Katherine

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested 4 youths after an aggravated robbery in Katherine last night.

    Just before 9:20pm, it is alleged that five youth offenders had entered the backyard of a property on Sandalwood Crescent, all armed with various edged and blunt weapons . The offenders then threatened a female resident before stealing her vehicle, ramming through the properties gate and fleeing the scene.

    Around 10:20pm, the vehicle was found abandoned on a bush track behind Callistemon Drive.

    A short time later, Katherine Police arrested 4 male youths, aged 12, 13,13 and 13.

    All currently remain in custody pending charges being laid.

    Police believe the offenders were also involved in the recent aggravated robbery on Grevillea Road with investigations ongoing.  Police urge anyone with information, including dash cam or CCTV footage, to contact police on 131 444 or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –